I've got to be honest, Zak, I'm normally not a fan of the art you've posted on this blog (I respect the skill, but the results just aren't my aesthetic), but that one really resonates. You've really captured a moment.

I use anything with a slick surface that doesn't absorb paint and is think enough that the acrylic won't warp it. I am not picky. The backs of posters or pieces of foam-core are probably the easiest thing for most people to find. Right now I've got a stack of paper someone gave me that I think was used for wallpaper.

@kelvin

yeah, straight to paper.

It isn't a "portrait" just a "head", when I paint specific people then, if it doesn't work right the first time I go ahead and use construction lines.

@Zak - thanks! I've using bristol but I might have to break into my wife's paper stocks and setal some of her fancy paper. Surprisingly enough, living in Italy, it's actually a bit tricky to get access to that kind of thing (isn't this supposed to be one of the art capitals of the western world?!!?). I guess I'll place an order from the States.

honestly if you;re in Italy the easiest thing to get a hold of with the same effect would probably be foam core (if illustration board isn't working). see it, see if you like it, if it doesn't work, move on.

I'll try it. I can get ahold of foam core fairly easily. Thanks for the idea! Sometimes something so obviously simple can be the one lightbulb that didn't go off. I've been wanting to branch out from my B&W work and do some painting and play around with some prints.

On the other hand I'm quite pleased to read what you say about the "canvas"; I'm very bad at using the proper materials and often end up drawing stuff on the back of envelopes with a Sharpie, which probably isn't the right attitude, but whatever works.

You should do one of those Bob Ross type shows, but on YouTube. I used to love that guy---if I ever had a stressful day at work I'd grab a beer or three, turn on Bob Ross, and completely mellow out. It was like whatever weed he was smoking wafted thru the screen right into my lungs.

Nice. Like Dr V., your style is not always to my taste, but this one is rather cool. Also it much smaller than I imagined before I saw your work photos. In addition, I got to say the fact that you can do that without any pencil work first is straight up impressive as hell. Keep it up.

Intending no disrespect, as I totally dig your vision & your draftsmanship (remindant to me, in my philistine state of Schiele, Klimt, Sienkiewicz, & Steranko) but, boss as this is, I feel it does a bit of a disservice to the true glory that is Connie. Though, certainly, I wasn't there at the moment of creation, and your image might well capture verisimilitudinously her feature & nature at the moment, but I've been so thoroughly lambasted by her divine image (both still & motile) and this' like unto the moon's reflection of the sun. Propers nonetheless but more Connie all the time.